To brunch or not to brunch? That is the question

We usually associate the party and rave scene with being an after-dark activity. 

For years, the excitement of getting home from the daily grind on a Friday, blaring out some feel-good grooves whilst dancing around the kitchen, before heading out to meet your friends for a rave that you purchased tickets for almost six months prior was why many of us battled through our 9 to 5 grafts. It was our escape, our pleasure. It was life. 

Over time, things have changed somewhat. We have seen the arrival of increasingly popular day parties that became the pre-motive for the main event, leading into the inevitable after-party. What more could we want? Almost every main block of the day has a distinguished party terminology against it, giving us an environment to play. There has been only one time of the day where our dancing exploits could not be on parade. Well, until quite recently. 

Today, I look at the relatively new event kid on the block, the brunch. An alien time of the day to some, brunch happens at quite the hour. It sits between breakfast and lunch, satisfying the late risers, early starters and the ones that are, well, carrying on from the night before. 

Brunch (noun): A late morning meal is eaten instead of breakfast and lunch. 

The above is the long-standing dictionary definition of the word. 

Whilst researching this piece, I looked at how the word has transformed and remodelled itself, developing a shiny new and modern interpretation. 

Ultimately, I looked for a glimmer of hope by way of wordplay to justify my adoration of sipping an alcoholic beverage before midday (which often leads to mass judgement from onlookers). 

Arise Wikipedia. With a great expectation of finding the definition to fit my narrative, I hit the search button with authority. 

Brunch is a combination of breakfast and lunch and regularly has some form of alcoholic drink (most usually champagne or a cocktail) served with it. It is usually served between 10 a.m. and midday. The word is a portmanteau of breakfast and lunch. 

Justification complete, my inquiry continued.

At this point, I believe, a like-minded individual had their Eureka moment. That one moment in life where you find your true calling, instantly creating a legacy, becoming adored by the masses. There has to be a setting to partake in this pre-lunch shenanigan? Surely? 

I salute you, Oh, Mighty creator of the party brunch. 

Here are the vitals. 

What can I expect at a brunch event? 

With ever-increasing popularity, the concept has grown at speed. The beauty of the ‘brunch’ event is that it works with pretty much any genre of music. Events can be held either indoors or ‘alfresco’ and offers a venue the chance to have their setting thriving with custom at usually non-busy times. 

At many of these events, you will find free-flowing prosecco or cocktails for an all-inclusive ticket price coupled with a strong line-up of DJs to satisfy your groove mood. 

Good food will also play a big part in the experience. Expect the cuisine on offer to be a buffet-style selection or a light breakfast to a three-course meal. 

Where do they happen? 

Just about anywhere. From superclubs to rooftops with stunning skylines, terraced bars to boats and country clubs. Some of the most popular brunch events take place at incredibly unique locations. 

How much do they cost? 

The cost is dependent on the promoter; fees will be reflecting the perks mentioned above and the venue settings. However, expect the price range to be anywhere between £14 – £40 per person. 

What do I recommend? 

Many of your favourite event brand promoters will now have some form of brunch offering. The biggest, most global electronic music groups have delved into this area. The likes of Kinky Malinki, Ministry Of Sound, Ritual, Hotbed (UK and Ibiza), Sincere and Soul Serious hosting some of the most well-respected brunch and supper clubs. 

I can pretty much guarantee that any town and city with a buzzing nightlife, will have some form of brunch event to whet your appetite. 

Brunches are not for the faint-hearted. For some thought of partying an hour before midday is not the right idea. I, however, urge you to take the plunge and immerse yourself in the experience.

Overall, the combination of great food, feel-good music and corkingly good fizz provides the perfect backdrop and soundtrack to start (or finish) your day. 

To brunch or not to brunch? That is an easy question to answer. 

To brunch.